U.S. patent application number 12/399455 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-09 for power management system and method of operating the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Briggs and Stratton Corporation. Invention is credited to Brandon Michael Batzler, Kenny J. Stair.
Application Number | 20100225167 12/399455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42315919 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100225167 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stair; Kenny J. ; et
al. |
September 9, 2010 |
POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME
Abstract
A power management system connectable to a primary power source
and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the power
management system. A transfer switch is electrically connected to
the primary and secondary power sources, and a plurality of branch
circuits are electrically connected to the transfer switch. The
plurality of branch circuits includes a plurality of electrical
outlets. The system includes a controller wirelessly coupled to a
plurality of portable receptacles, which are coupled between
respective electrical outlets and managed devices. The controller
manages the receptacles, and consequently the managed devices,
during the second power source powering the transfer switch.
Inventors: |
Stair; Kenny J.; (North
Prairie, WI) ; Batzler; Brandon Michael; (Hartford,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE, Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Briggs and Stratton
Corporation
Wauwatosa
WI
|
Family ID: |
42315919 |
Appl. No.: |
12/399455 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y04S 40/126 20130101;
Y02B 70/30 20130101; Y04S 20/12 20130101; Y02B 70/3225 20130101;
Y02B 90/20 20130101; Y04S 20/222 20130101; Y04S 20/248 20130101;
H02J 13/00034 20200101; H02J 3/14 20130101; H02J 13/0075 20130101;
H02J 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
307/29 |
International
Class: |
H02J 3/14 20060101
H02J003/14 |
Claims
1. A load management system for managing a plurality of devices,
the plurality of managed devices being connected to a distribution
panel via a plurality of branch circuits having a circuit breaker
and an electrical outlet, the distribution panel being powered by
at least one of utility power and a backup generator, the load
management system being connectable to a device controller to
control a first managed device, the system comprising: a portable
receptacle electrically connectable in circuit between the
electrical outlet and a second managed device, the portable
receptacle including a first antenna, a switch to electrically
couple the electrical outlet to the second managed device; and
circuitry electrically coupling the first antenna and the switch,
the circuitry controlling the switch based on a signal received by
the first antenna; and a load management controller connectable to
the device controller, the load management controller including a
processor, a memory having instructions executable by the
processor, and a second antenna coupled to the processor, the
processor executing the instructions to receive a control signal
from the device controller and to manage the first and second
managed devices based on the control signal and a value
representing a draw on the generator.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a second
switch electrically connected between the device controller and the
first managed device, and wherein the processor manages the first
managed device through executing further instructions to initiate a
signal to the second switch that at least one of permits and
prevents the control signal to the first managed device.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the load management controller
includes the first switch.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first managed device is an
air conditioner, and the control signal includes a call for
conditioned air.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable receptacle further
includes an input, the circuitry further couples to the input, and
the circuitry controls the switch further based on a setting
received via the first input.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the input includes a user-movable
switch to set a priority.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the circuitry includes a filter
to filter a wireless signal received by the antenna based on the
priority.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the processor manages the second
managed device through executing further instructions to initiate a
wireless signal to the portable receptacle via the first antenna,
the wireless signal having a parameter based on the priority of the
second managed device.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor manages the second
managed device through executing further instructions to initiate a
wireless signal to the portable receptacle via the first
antenna.
10. A backup power system for powering a plurality of managed
devices connected to a distribution panel via a plurality of branch
circuits, the plurality of branch circuits having a circuit breaker
and an electrical outlet, the distribution panel being powered by
at least one of utility power and a backup generator, a first
managed device includes an air conditioner controlled by a
thermostat, the system comprising: a transfer switch electrically
connectable to receive power from at least one of the utility power
and the generator, the transfer switch electrically connectable in
circuit with the distribution panel to provide the power to the
distribution panel; a portable receptacle electrically connectable
in circuit between the electrical outlet and a second managed
device, the portable receptacle including a first antenna, a switch
to electrically couple the electrical outlet to the second managed
device; an input, and circuitry coupling the first antenna, the
switch, and the input, the circuitry controlling the switch based
on a signal received by the first antenna and a user-defined
setting received via the input; a load management controller
connectable to the thermostat, the load management controller
including a processor, a memory having instructions executable by
the processor, and a second antenna electrically coupled to the
processor, the processor executing the instructions to receive a
control signal from the thermostat and to manage the first and
second managed devices based on the control signal and a value
representing a draw on the generator.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the power management system
includes a second switch electrically connected between the
thermostat and the first managed device, and wherein the processor
manages the first managed device through executing further
instructions to initiate a signal to the second switch that at
least one of permits and prevents the control signal to the first
managed device.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the load management controller
includes the first switch.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the input includes a
user-movable switch to set a priority.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the circuitry includes a filter
to filter a wireless signal received by the antenna based on the
priority.
15. A method of managing a plurality of devices of a building with
a load management system configured to be powered by a backup
generator, the plurality of devices including an air conditioner
and a managed device, the air conditioner being controlled by a
device controller, the building including a plurality of branch
circuits having an electrical outlet, the load management system
having a portable receptacle including a first antenna, the
portable receptacle being electrically coupled in circuit between
the electrical outlet and the managed device, the load management
system further having a load management controller including a
second antenna, the method comprising: receiving a call for
conditioned air; monitoring a first value representing a draw on
the generator; obtaining a second value representing an expected
draw on the generator by the air conditioner; determining whether
the generator can power the air conditioner based on the second
value; determining whether the generator can power the air
conditioner and the managed device based on the first and second
values; and managing the managed device and the air conditioner
based on the determinations, the managing step including wirelessly
communicating with the portable receptacle via the first antenna
and the second antenna.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of devices
includes a second managed device, the load management system
includes a second portable receptacle coupled to the second managed
device, wherein the portable receptacle includes an identity
different from the second portable receptacle, and further
comprising: wherein the wirelessly communicating step includes
wirelessly transmitting a signal from the second antenna,
wirelessly receiving the signal at the first antenna, and
determining whether the signal is intended for the portable
receptacle based on the identity.
17. The method of claim 16, and further comprising: changing the
identity of the portable receptacle.
18. The method of claim 15, and further comprising: wherein the
wirelessly communicating step includes wirelessly transmitting a
signal having a parameter associated with an identifier for the
portable receptacle, wirelessly receiving the signal at the
portable receptacle, and analyzing the signal at the portable
receptacle for the parameter.
19. The method of claim 18, and further comprising: wherein
analyzing the signal includes filtering the signal at a defined
frequency range associated with the identifier.
20. The method of claim 19, and further comprising controlling the
receptacle based on a control signal in the defined frequency
range.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to power management systems and
methods of operating power management systems.
[0002] Typical power transfer systems connect one or more circuit
branches to either a primary power source, such as utility power,
or a secondary power source, such as a portable or standby
generator. Each circuit branch can connect to one or more loads,
and typically includes one or more manually controlled circuit
breakers that are controllable by an operator.
[0003] For typical power transfer systems located at a residence,
the systems connect a plurality of circuits to a generator acting
as the secondary power source. Residential generators vary in size
and power output. In general, as the amount of rated power (or
current) increases, the size, weight, and cost of the generator
increases, and the amount of noise produced by the engine, which
powers the generator, increases. Therefore, it is beneficial to use
a power management system for controlling or reducing the power
demand on a generator, thereby allowing a smaller generator to be
used for applications that typically require a larger
generator.
[0004] Typical power management systems include a plurality of
switches (e.g., relays or controllable breakers) for controlling
(e.g., adding or shedding) a plurality of loads. However, typical
power management systems control circuit branches, which can power
an unspecified number of loads. A new system is desired that allows
for more flexibility than the typical power management system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, the invention provides a load management
system for managing a plurality of devices. The plurality of
managed devices is connected to a distribution panel via a
plurality of branch circuits having a circuit breaker and an
electrical outlet. For example, each of the plurality of branch
circuits can include a circuit breaker, but not all of the branch
circuits may include an electrical outlet. The distribution panel
is powered by at least one of utility power and a backup generator.
The load management system is connectable to a device controller
for controlling a first managed device.
[0006] The system includes a portable receptacle electrically
connected in circuit between the electrical outlet and a second
managed device. The portable receptacle is, by definition,
portable, and allows a user to vary the second managed device
without re-wiring the system. The portable receptacle includes a
first antenna, a switch to electrically connect the electrical
outlet to the second managed device, and circuitry electrically
connecting the first antenna and the switch. The circuitry includes
a first controller to control the switch based on a signal received
by the first antenna. In some embodiments, the portable receptacle
includes a priority, which can be set via a switch. A user can
either modify the priority or move the portable receptacle to
modify the management of the system. This can be done without the
help of an electrician. Further, the use of the portable receptacle
allows a user to manage a device of a branch circuit without having
to manage the full branch circuit. Moreover, multiple devices on
the same branch circuit can be managed differently with multiple
portable receptacles.
[0007] The load management system further includes a load
management controller electrically connected to the device
controller. The load management controller includes a processor, a
memory having instructions executable by the processor, and a
second RF antenna coupled to the processor. The processor executes
the instructions to receive a control signal from the device
controller, and to manage the first and second managed device based
on the control signal and a value representing the draw on the
generator.
[0008] Other features of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing an electrical system
of a residence including a load management system incorporating the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram providing more detail of an
electrical system of a building including the load management
system of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing an exemplary transfer
switch capable of being used with the load management system of
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing a load management
controller capable of being used in the load management system of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a block diagram further detailing a portion of the
load management controller of FIG. 4 and representing a portable
receptacle capable of being used with the load management system of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing one method of operating
the load management system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a flow chart representing one method of managing a
plurality of managed devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained, it is
to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and the arrangements of
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalence thereof as
well as additional items. The terms "connected," "coupled," and
"mounted" and variations thereof is meant to encompass direct and
indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the
terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not
restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
[0017] As should also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art, the systems shown in the figures are models of what actual
systems might be like. As may be noted, some of the modules and
logical structures described are capable of being implemented in
software executed by a processor or a similar device or of being
implemented in hardware using a variety of components including,
for example, application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs").
Terms like "processor", "filter", and "controller" may include or
refer to hardware and/or software. Thus, the claims should not be
limited to the specific examples or terminology or to any specific
hardware or software implementation or combination of software or
hardware.
[0018] A load management system 100 is schematically shown in FIG.
1. The system 100 controllably connects a plurality of loads 105 to
either a primary power source 110 (e.g., a utility power source, a
main power source, etc.) or a secondary power source 115 (e.g., a
back-up power source such as a portable or standby generator). By
controllably connecting the loads 105 to the primary or secondary
power sources 110 or 115, the primary or secondary power sources
110 or 115 selectively power the loads 105.
[0019] As used herein, the primary power source 110 is the power
source that provides the preferred power. That is, the system 100
controllably connects the loads 105 to the primary power source 110
(typically, utility power) when the primary power source 110
provides adequate power (i.e., power of sufficient quality and
quantity). Utility power can be provided by a publicly available
power source or company. The secondary power source 115 is an
independent source from the primary power source 110, and provides
secondary or back-up power preferably when the primary power source
110 fails to provide adequate power. An exemplary secondary power
source 115 is a 120/240 Volts AC generator. An "automatic"
generator system includes a generator that automatically starts and
shuts down in response to signals provided by a transfer switch,
for example, and automatically transfers between the primary and
secondary power sources 110 and 115. An automatic generator may be
hardwired with the system 100, and the system 100 is typically
referred to as an automatic or emergency backup system. A "manual"
generator system includes a generator that requires manual starting
and manually transfers between the primary and secondary power
sources 110 and 115. Other variations are possible.
[0020] The loads 105 include any number of electrical loads
configured to receive electrical power. The loads 105 are connected
to the system 100 via branch circuits 120. The branch circuits 120
are controlled by switches, such as relays or circuit breakers 123.
The branch circuits 120 are either "dedicated" branch circuits 120A
(FIG. 2) or "non-dedicated" branch circuits 120B (FIG. 2). A
"dedicated" branch circuit 120A includes one or more loads 105 that
are hardwire to that branch. For example, if the system is located
at a residence, then an air conditioner, a furnace, a sump pump and
similar devices may be hardwired in respective dedicated branch
circuits 120A. A "non-dedicated" branch circuit 120B includes one
or more outlets, connection boxes, or similar connection points
that are capable of receiving connections from one or more
electrical loads (e.g., lights, electronics, a refrigerator, a
freezer, etc.)
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 is located within a panel
125 with wires either connected to or connectable with the primary
power source 110, the secondary power source 115, and loads 105. In
other constructions, the panel 125 includes a plurality of panels
or cabinets in communication with one another. For example and as
best shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 can include three cabinets: a
controller cabinet 130, a transfer switch cabinet 135, and a branch
circuit (or distribution) cabinet 140. For the description below
and unless specified otherwise, it will be assumed that the system
100 is located within a single cabinet 125 (FIG. 1).
[0022] Referring again to FIG. 1, the system 100 is also connected
to an external or device controller 145, which provides inputs
(e.g., data, signals, etc.) to the system 100. For example, the
external controller 145 may be a thermostat that generates a call
to activate an air conditioner.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 generally includes a
transfer switch 150, a plurality of branch circuits 120, a
plurality of circuit breakers 123A, 123B, and 123C, and a
controller 155. The transfer switch 150 connects a plurality of
branch circuits 120 to either the primary power source 110 or the
secondary power source 115. For the description below and unless
specified otherwise, it will be assumed that the elements shown in
phantom are not included in the main construction discussed herein.
As used herein, the term "transfer switch" is broadly construed to
include one or more transfer switches, one or more relays, and/or
one or more contactors, all of which are operable to connect a
plurality of electrical loads 105 to the primary power source 110
or the secondary power source 115.
[0024] An exemplary transfer switch 150 is schematically shown in
FIG. 3. With reference to FIG. 3, the transfer switch 150 includes
first and second relays 160 and 165. The first relay 160 is
connected to the primary power source 110 while the second relay
165 is connected to the secondary power source 115. Both of these
relays 160 and 165 include one or more bodies or wipes that are
movable between a first or open position, where the relay
constitutes an open device, and a second or closed position, where
the relay constitutes a closed device. The first and second relays
160 and 165 are also connected to one or more branch circuits 120.
When the first relay 160 is closed, the primary power source 110
powers the one or more branch circuits 120. When the second relay
165 is closed, the secondary power source 115 powers the one or
more branch circuits 120. The second relay 165 is open when the
first relay 160 is closed and vice-versa. As shown in FIG. 3, the
first and second relays 160 and 165 are double-pole, single throw
relays.
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1, the controller 155 controls the
transfer switch 150 such that the controller 155 controllably
connects the branch circuits 120 to the power sources 110 or 115.
For example and in one construction, the controller 155 controls
the transfer switch 150 such that the transfer switch 150 connects
the branch circuits 120 to the primary power source 110 when the
controller 155 detects adequate power being supplied by the primary
power source 110. If the controller 155 does not detect adequate
power being supplied by the primary power source 110 and detects
adequate power being supplied by the secondary power source 115,
then the controller 155 controls the transfer switch 150 such that
the secondary power source 115 supplies power to the branch
circuits 120.
[0026] The control of the transfer switch 150 by the controller 155
varies depending on the type of secondary power source 115 and the
type of transfer switch 150. For example and in one controller 155,
when the controller 155 disconnects the primary power source from
the branch circuits 120, the controller 155 may wait a time delay
before connecting the secondary power source to the branch circuits
120.
[0027] Before proceeding further, it should be understood that the
transfer switch can include a second controller distinct from the
first shown controller 155, the second controller separately
controlling the transfer switch 155 and communicating its operation
to the first controller 155. That is, the controller 155 shown in
FIG. 1 is a non-distributed controller, but the controller 155 can
encompass a distributed controller distributed among multiple
components within the panel 125.
[0028] An exemplary construction of the controller 155 is
schematically shown in FIG. 4. In general, the controller 155
receives inputs (e.g., from the external controller 145);
interprets the received inputs; and provides outputs (e.g., to
manage devices 105A). As used herein, the terms "inputs" and
"outputs" are broadly construed to include data, commands, and/or
signals.
[0029] For the construction shown in FIG. 4, the controller 155
includes a power supply 170, a processor 175, a memory 180,
multiple conditioners 185, multiple drivers 190, one or more input
devices 195, and one or more output devices 200. The power supply
170 is connected in circuit with the primary and secondary power
sources 110 and 115 and receives power from the sources 110 and
115. The power supply 170 includes circuitry for converting the
supplied power to a voltage (e.g., 5 VDC) for powering the
controller 155. The power supply 170 can include a temporary
storage device (e.g., a chargeable battery, capacitors, etc.) that
temporarily provides power if neither power source 110 nor 115
supplies sufficient power for operating the controller 155. In
other constructions, the power supply 170 is not connected to
either supply 110 or 115 and is powered by a battery.
[0030] The memory 180 includes a program storage that stores one or
more software modules having instructions. The processor 175
receives, interprets, and executes the software instructions of the
one or more software modules. The processor 175 executes the
instructions to control the operation of the system 100 and, to
some extent, the automatic generator. In some constructions, the
processor 175 and the memory 180 take the form of a
microcontroller, which includes other elements (e.g., an
analog-to-digital converter) customarily part of the
microcontroller. The controller 155 can include or can be
constructed with other analog and/or digital logic circuitry, and
can include integrated and/or discrete circuit elements. Other
processors 175 include, or are encompassed in, a programmable logic
circuit, a programmable relay, an application-specific-integrate
circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and
similar devices.
[0031] The controller 155 can include other circuitry known to
those skilled in the art. For the construction shown, the
controller 155 includes multiple conditioning circuits 185 that
provide multiple inputs to the processor 175. The conditioners 185,
which can include discrete and/or integrated circuitry, condition
incoming signals to the necessary voltage and/or current levels for
the processor. Also for the construction shown, the controller 155
includes multiple driver circuits 190. The drivers 190, which can
also include discrete and/or integrated circuitry, transform
outgoing signals from the processor 175 to the necessary voltage
and/or current levels for attached devices.
[0032] The one or more input devices 195 allow an operator to
control the system 100 and/or to provide inputs to the controller
155. Example input devices 195 include one or more push buttons,
one or more knobs, one or more dip switches, a keyboard, a keypad,
a touch screen, or similar components. The one or more output
devices 200 allow the controller to communicate outputs to the
operator. Example output devices 200 include a display (e.g., an
LED display, an LCD display, a CRT display, etc.), one or more
LEDs, one or more incandescent lights, and similar components.
Also, the one or more output devices 200 and the one or more
operator-controlled input devices 195 can be combined as a single
device (e.g., a touch screen).
[0033] The controller 155 also includes a communication circuit 205
and antenna 210 for allowing the controller 155 to wirelessly
communicate with a portable receptacle (discussed below). An
example communication circuit 205 and antenna 210 includes a
radio.
[0034] In the construction shown in FIG. 4, the controller further
includes a switch 215, such as a relay, coupling the external
controller 145 to a managed device 105A. For example, the external
controller may be a thermostat and the managed device 105A may be
an air conditioning system. The switch 215 can be used to
controllably interrupt a control signal from being communicated to
the managed device 105A. Hence, the processor can manage a managed
device 105A by interrupting or allowing the external signal via
switch 215. Alternatively, the external signal can be communicated
to the processor 175 and the processor can drive a portable
receptacle (disclosed below) via a driver 190, as shown in phantom
in FIG. 4.
[0035] The group of branch circuits 120 is coupled to primary power
source 110 and the secondary power source 115 via a plurality of
circuit breakers 123, relays, or similar switches. Each branch
circuit 120 includes at least one circuit breaker, respectively, or
similar device. For example, assuming that the power sources 110
and 115 provide 240 VAC, then the branch circuits can be arranged
such that a single circuit breaker 123 supplies 120 VAC and two
circuit breakers 123 provide 240 VAC.
[0036] As was discussed above, each of the branch circuits 120 is
either a dedicated branch circuit 120A (FIG. 2) or a non-dedicated
branch circuit 120B (FIG. 2). If the branch circuit is a dedicated
circuit 120A, then the one or more circuit breakers 123 of the
branch circuit 120A are hardwired to the dedicated load. If the
branch circuit is a non-dedicated circuit 120B, then the one or
more circuit breakers 123 of the branch circuit 120B are connected
to one or more outlets, connection boxes, or similar connection
points.
[0037] The circuit breakers (or similar devices) 123 may be further
defined by one of three types: priority and non-controlled 123A,
priority and controlled 123B (shown in phantom), and non-priority
120C (shown in phantom). Priority and non-controlled circuit
breakers 123A are connected to the transfer switch 150 and are not
controlled by the controller 155. Controlled circuit breakers 123B
are connected to the transfer switch 150 and are controlled by the
controller 155 or a similar controller. The circuit breakers 123B
allow complete branch circuits 120B to be managed. Non-priority
circuit breakers 123C are connected to the primary power source 110
and power connected loads only when power is provided by the
primary power source 110.
[0038] As best shown in FIG. 1, the branch circuits 120 not shown
in phantom are powered by the primary power source 110 when that
source 110 powers the transfer switch 150, and are powered by the
secondary power source 115 when that source 115 powers the transfer
switch 150. In the construction described herein, all of the
branches circuits 120 are powered via circuit breakers 123A.
[0039] The loads can be further divided as a managed device 105A
(FIG. 2) or a non-managed device 105B (FIG. 2). In general, a
managed device 105A is a device that is controllably powered in
response to a control signal, and a non-managed device 105B is a
device that is not controllably powered. For example, a managed
device 105A can receive power from one of the power sources via a
portable receptacle 220 (FIG. 2) connected in circuit between the
load and an electrical outlet 225 (FIG. 5) of a branch circuit 120.
Alternatively, the controller 155 can directly provide a control
signal (e.g., a 24 VAC control signal) to the managed load 105A as
discussed earlier with FIG. 4.
[0040] One exemplary construction of a portable receptacle 220 is
shown in FIG. 5. The portable receptacle 220 shown in FIG. 5
includes an antenna 230 to receive a wireless signal, an amplifier
235 to amplify the received signal, filter/detector circuitry 240
for filtering and/or detecting a signal intended for the portable
receptacle 220, a controller 245 for controlling the portable
receptacle 220, an input device 250 for setting an identifier for
the portable receptacle, an output device 255 for providing
information to a user, and a switch (e.g., a relay) for permitting
or preventing a circuit connection between the outlet 225 and the
managed device 105A based on a control signal from the controller
245. In one operation, a user or operator can electrically couple
the portable receptacle 220 to an electrical outlet 225 and
electrically couple a managed device 105A to the portable
receptacle 220. The user can then select an identifier for the
portable receptacle 220. The identifier can be associated with the
priority level for the portable receptacle 220. For example, the
portable receptacle 220 can include one or more switches to set the
portable receptacle 220 to an identifier, e.g. A, indicating the
portable receptacle 220 is the highest priority portable receptacle
220. The portable receptacle 220 then receives wireless signals
from the controller 155 and filters the received signals based on
the identifier. For example, the controller 155 can transmit a
signal intended for the portable receptacle 220 with the identifier
A. The portable receptacle 220 with the identifier A detects and
filters the signal and is controlled based on the received signal.
In one specific construction, the controller 155 transmits a signal
for the portable receptacle 220 with the identifier A having a
defined frequency, and the portable receptacle 220 with the
identifier A filters the incoming received wireless signal to the
corresponding frequency associated with the identifier A.
[0041] In a different construction, the portable receptacle 220 can
include a set identifier, and the controller 155 can learn the
identifier and associate a user-defined priority for the portable
receptacle 220 with the identifier. The controller 155 can then
include the identifier with the wireless communication to inform
the portable receptacle 220 of a new command.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, a more specific exemplary construction
is shown. For this construction, an air conditioning system 105A
and a water heater 105A are electrically coupled to a distribution
panel 140 via dedicated branch circuits 120A and a freezer is
electrically coupled to the distribution panel 140 via a
non-dedicated branch circuit 120B. A thermostat, i.e., an external
controller 145, is electrically coupled to the air conditioning
system via a switch 215 (FIG. 4) of the load management controller.
In this construction, the load management controller 155 identifies
the air conditioning system 105A as having the highest priority;
the portable receptacle 220 for the water heater is set to
identifier A, which the load management controller 155 identifies
as having the next highest priority; and the portable receptacle
220 for the freezer is set to identifier B, which the load
management controller 155 identifies as having the lowest
priority.
[0043] Before proceeding further, it should be understood that the
load management system 100 can manage the loads based on the
priorities and based on other information, such as the load demand
for the secondary power source and the expected load demand if the
controller 155 permits a current to another managed device 105A. It
should be further understood that the load management system 100
can manage the devices 105A out of priority order depending on the
present load demand and the expected future load demand. However,
in one construction, the load management system attempts to follow
the priority order when possible. Exemplary schemes for managing
loads can be based on the management schemes disclosed in U.S.
Patent Publication Nos. 2006/0018069 and 2005/0216131, the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0044] Having described the architecture of various constructions
of the system 100, the operation of the system 100 will now be
described based on the specific example of FIG. 2. With reference
to flow diagram shown in FIG. 6, it will be assumed that the
primary power source 110 initially powers the loads 105 (step 300).
That is, unless the circuit breakers 123 are open, the primary
power source 110 powers the loads 105 connected to the closed
branch circuits 120.
[0045] At step 305, the controller 155 determines whether the
primary power source 110 is providing adequate power (i.e., power
of sufficient quality and quantity) to the system 100. For example,
the system 100 may not receive any power from the primary power
source 110 (i.e., a black-out condition), or receive power that is
lacking in either quality or quantity (i.e., a brown-out
condition).
[0046] When the controller 155 detects inadequate power, it
provides an output to the generator 115 that starts the generator
(step 310). Of course, there can be a small time delay before
starting the generator 115.
[0047] For the description described below, when the controller 155
performs a function, the processor 175 retrieves one or more
instructions from memory 180, interprets the retrieved
instructions, and executes the interpreted instructions to perform
the particular function. For example, if the controller 155
provides an output to the generator 115 to start the generator 115,
then the processor 175 retrieves, interprets, and executes one or
more software instructions to generate one or more output signals
that start the generator 115. Other controllers 155 can perform
differently.
[0048] At step 315, the controller 155 sheds all managed devices
105A. Before proceeding further, it should be understood that the
sequence of the steps in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, discussed below, can
vary, one or more steps may occur concurrently, and not all steps
may be required.
[0049] Once the generator 115 is generating adequate power (step
320), the controller 155 provides a signal to the transfer switch
150, resulting in the transfer switch 150 connecting the branch
circuits 120A and 120B (i.e., the priority and controllable branch
circuits) to the secondary power source 115 (step 325).
[0050] In another construction, the transfer switch 150 is operated
separately from the controller 155. For this embodiment, the
controller 155 senses the presence of power to the relays 160 and
165 or senses when the relays 160 and 165 are closed. That is, the
relays can be wired to the controller 155 and the controller 155
can sense which relay is ON.
[0051] The non-managed devices 105B are immediately powered by the
secondary power source 115. For example, if a furnace or similar
heating system requires that power be available at all times, then
the secondary power source 115 immediately makes power available to
the furnace when the transfer switch 150 switches to the secondary
power source 115. Other non-managed devices 105B are powered
similarly. The managed device 105A is managed by the controller 155
(step 330). One exemplary management technique is described below
in connection with FIG. 7.
[0052] When the controller 155 senses that the primary power source
has provided adequate power for a time period (step 335), then the
controller 155 switches the transfer switch 150 such that the
primary power source 110 powers the distribution panel (step 340).
The controller 155 also adds all the managed devices (step 345) and
provides an output to the generator to shut down. In other
constructions where the controller 155 operates separately from the
transfer switch 150, the controller 155 detects when relay 160 is
closed and when relay 165 is open. For this embodiment, the
controller 155 adds all managed devices 105A in response to this
condition.
[0053] FIG. 7 represents one method of managing devices 105A. When
starting step 400, it is assumed that none of the managed devices
105A is receiving current from the generator. At step 400, the
controller 155 receives a call from the thermostat 145. At step
405, the controller 155 determines whether the generator 115 has
sufficient capacity to add the air conditioning system. For
example, the memory 180 stores a value representative of an
expected current or power draw for the air conditioning system, and
then the controller 155 allows the thermostat signal to the air
conditioning system if the expected draw is less than the unused
capacity. If the expected draw is too great for the unused capacity
of the generator, then the controller 155 determines whether the
removal of a lower priority device allows sufficient capacity to
add the air conditioning system. The result of step 405 is that the
controller 155 manages the lower priority loads (step 410), if
necessary, by transmitting a signal to the portable receptacle(s)
220 to open the switch(es) 260 and allowing the thermostat signal
to the air conditioning system (step 415).
[0054] At step 420, the controller 155 manages the lower priority
devices by controlling the respective portable receptacles to add
and shed devices as is appropriate. If the air conditioning system
was added at step 425, then the controller 155 determines whether
the call for conditioned air has ended (step 430). If the call has
ended, then the switch 260 is opened to shed the air conditioner
(step 435) until the next call is received (step 420).
[0055] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a new and
useful load management system, and a new and useful method of
managing a plurality of devices of a residence with a load
management system.
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